Manchester United have decided against signing Jerome Boateng this summer due to the completed £34million deal for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane but are believed to still be targeting another player in this position.
The Germany international is one player available as a free agent this summer, having ended his lengthy stay at Bayern Munich at the end of last season.
Despite the German defender being on the market, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will not be pursuing a deal.
Romano added that Boateng “is in no rush” to decide his next destination and will make a decision in the coming days.
In addressing is future at the end of last season on club he may likely join after leaving Bayern Munich. Boateng siad, “I don’t know yet where I will go, but I already have clear ideas,” declare the World Cup winner.
“I did very well last season, I haven’t lost a single match through injury. In my current conditions I can play at the highest levels for another two-to-three years.”
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has emerged as another alternative option for Solskjaer to consider, though Chelsea are leading the race to secure the services of the 22-year-old.
Also, Kounde has a £68.4million release clause in his current contract, which the La Liga side are determined to receive for the talented France international.
It remains to be seen how Solskjaer will decide to line up his United team next season, with decisions to be made on a go-to formation for the new campaign.
Victor Lindelof is expected to remain a key player for the team in the 2021/22 season, though Eric Bailly could face a battle on his hands to be a regular starter in the side.
There is a possibility that the Red Devils are still searching for their ideal player in the transfer market as they look to challenge for the Premier League title.
“I’m hopeful that there might be a little more business done by us before the summer window closes, while I’m also mindful that a lot of our squad members underwent great development on loan last term, so there’s no question that we go into this season in better shape than last season,” Manchester United boss said in one of the recent pre-season game with Brenford.
Express.co.uk
